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Day 4: Psalms to God's Deeds

Pastor Lisa’s JournalScripture
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies. – Psalm 18:3

Observation
The bold imagery of Psalm 18 sweeps you along, like you are right there hearing David tell the story of the battle and the victory. This psalm of thanksgiving also appears in 2 Samuel 22 and can be divided into five sections.

Section 1 (vs. 1-3): David sets the stage with a passionate praise list naming God as his deliverer.

Section 2 (vs. 4-18): Instead of describing the battle like a reporter, David uses storm imagery to describe the desperation of his situation and the power of God’s deliverance: earthquake, smoke, darkness, thunder, hot coals. “Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils. He reached down from on high, he took me; he drew me out of mighty waters.” (vs 15-16)

Section 3 (vs. 19-36): David uses somewhat softer imagery in this section to describe God’s relationship with him. God delights in him. (vs. 19) God causes David to move like an agile deer (vs. 33) and sets his feet on wide, safe ground. (vs. 36) “This God—his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” (vs. 30) David believes his rescue is a reward for his faithfulness to God.

Section 4 (vs. 37-42): David describes with graphic detail the violent way he destroyed his enemies once he had the upper hand. As a Christ-follower I feel called to work and pray first for the deliverance of both myself and my enemy.

Section 5 (vs. 43-50): David closes by giving God more praise for establishing him as a powerful king, revered by his own people and those of foreign lands.

Application
In the day of trouble, call to God with boldness.

Prayer
Ageless God, my battles are so different from David’s…or are they? I am not a soldier forced to kill or be killed. My wars are far more civil: a skirmish with a friend or family member, a clash with an unjust system, a conflict within my own soul. My enemies do not carry soldiers’ armaments, yet I carry the slugs of every encounter. Like David, I know I will drown and die beneath the pain and chaos if you do not come to my aid. My enemies and I will both be lost. Come our Rock, our Shield, our Savior. Come our Guardian, our Deliverer, our Hope. End the wars without and within. Raise us both to a wide and peaceful place. Amen.

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You are invited to join me on a summer adventure through one of the most beloved books in the Bible, Psalms. To download the Summer in the Psalms reading plan, click here Psalms Reading Plan

As you read, you are encouraged to use the SOAP Method for keeping a spiritual journal, as taught at New Hope Christian Fellowship in Hawaii. For more information on this simple and powerful way of engaging the Word of God, please click here or use the simple instructions provided in the reading plan itself.

I look forward to reading your comments and to all that Jesus will do in you and through you as you seek him this summer. – Lisa <><

PS- For more information on the scripture translation, art and the use of this devotional in other settings, please refer to the copyright information page.

2 thoughts on “Day 4: Psalms to God's Deeds”

Another great dnootiveal! We’re doing a sermon series through Psalms this summer, have a reading schedule of selected Psalms for this two months. They do cover every emotion! Love you, gal wish we lived closer!!